AN INCLINATION TOWARDS
CHANGE
INTRODUCTION
An inclination towards change refers to a person’s willingness to embrace what has been placed before them; even if it affects previously accepted agenda. The platter of acceptability, rather than rejection, is advancing society into present day acceptance of what is contrary to the Word of God.
Apostle Paul, in speaking to the churches of Galatia, wrote: I marvel that you are so soon removed (turning away) from him that called you into the grace of Christ, to another (a different) gospel; which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would (want to) pervert the gospel of Christ.
One such avenue of acceptance, in the religious realm, is acceptance of a progressive social gospel that undermines God’s Word; a feel good religion that does little, if anything, to adhere to God’s Adulterated (Pure) Word of God. Paul was dealing with a church which was in the initial stages of defecting from the Gospel of Christ into a path that would exclude His life-saving message. Paul was attempting to enlighten the church to what was happening.
An Inclination Towards Change
Illustrated by Apostle Paul
Apostle Paul revealed to Timothy, a young evangelist, that all who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution; that evil men and seducers (imposters) shall wax (grow) worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived (2 Timothy 3:12-13). There is an instructive method of teaching today that would undermine godly principles and embrace worldly and secular ways. There is changing of bylaws to embrace such change.
Paul emphasized: The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts (desires) shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and shall turn away their ears (hearing) from the truth, and shall be turned into fables (that which is fictitious) (2 Timothy 4:3-4). We are witnessing a progressive social gospel which moves away from doctrinal beliefs of yesteryear, towards those with itching ears, those who are prone to change, towards a less painful preaching of God’s Word that will do little, if anything, towards a sanctified life in Christ.
Do Not Deviate from Truth
An inclination towards change was countermanded by Apostle Paul; who instructed Timothy, a young evangelist: Continue in the things which you have learned and have been assured of knowing of whom you have learned them (2 Timothy 3:14). Preach the Word; be instant (ready) in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2); watch in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of your ministry.
Paul knew what faced Timothy, having already experienced such, in testifying: I am now ready to be offered (impending execution), and the time of my departure (death) is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course (race), I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me that day; and not to me only, but to all them that also love his appearing (Jesus’ return) (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
Sin Accommodated
We are witnessing a progressive movement that would institute an inclination towards change; not for the betterment of society. It was noted that we live in a fallen world that seeks to gratify and accommodate sins that would not have even been discussed in public a generation ago. Those congregations and denominations who advocate homosexual and transgender acceptance teach that any Biblical prohibitions against such activity is cultural and not a commandment. Culture and convictions change commandments do not.
I thank God for godly individuals who will stand for the truth rather than stand by and allow ungodly persuasion to be victorious. Jesus said: If you continue (abide) in my word, then you are my disciples; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32). Apostle Paul wrote: Study (be diligent) to show (present) yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).
Spiritual Transformation
God’s Word emphasizes the importance of spiritual transformation; encourages believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds; becoming a new creation in Christ; old things passing away and all things becoming new; putting off old self and putting on the new self created in God’s likeness.
Apostle Paul wrote: Be not conformed to this world; but be you transformed (changed) by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2); an inclination towards change is necessary for this to be fulfilled. Be not conformed to this world is to stop conforming yourself; resist being poured into the mold of present day thinking, value systems, and conduct of this world. When there is no inclination to change, having been deeply rooted with no conviction otherwise, it is difficult towards acceptance of any other way.
Scripture tells of those who were miraculously converted to Christianity; even Apostle Paul who at one stage of life persecuted Christians. Scripture reveals that as he journeyed, he came to Damascus; and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven, and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, why persecute you me (Acts 9:3-4)? Thank God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and God’s Spirit, who gives ample opportunity towards salvation of the soul, and those who have yielded to such influence.
Failing to Receive
The Prophet Zechariah, speaking the Word of the Lord, said: Be not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried (preached) saying, thus saith the Lord; turn from your evil ways, and your evil doings (deeds); but they did not hear, nor hearken (heed) to me, saith the Lord (Zechariah 1:4).
Jonathan Edwards sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” contained these words: Consider the fearful danger that you are in: You hang by a slender thread, with the flames of divine wrath flashing about it, and ready every moment to singe it, and burn it asunder. You have no interest in any mediator, and nothing to hold on to save yourself, nothing to keep the flames of wrath away, nothing of your own, nothing that you have done, nothing that you can do, to induce God to spare you one moment.
Those words still ring loud and clear today towards endangered souls who are about to descend into eternity without the benefit of a Savior (the Lord Jesus Christ), unless repentance comes prior to Judgment Day.
Salvation of the Soul
An inclination towards change (salvation of the soul) is instrumental prior to receiving such a wonderful gift from God, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Scripture reveals: God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). He that believes on him is not condemned; but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God (John 3:18).
Apostle John wrote He that believes on the Son has everlasting life; and he that believes not the Son shall not see life (a heavenly abode); but the wrath of God abides (remains) on him (hell bound) (John 3:36). Apostle Paul: Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is no other name under Heaven whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13). An inclination towards change is the first step towards salvation of the soul.
New Life in Christ
An inclination to change will bring salvation to the soul, and also change in one’s lifestyle. Apostle Paul wrote: If any man be in Christ (upon conversion), he is a new creature (creation); old things are passed away, all things become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). It was noted that when one comes into union with Christ; old things (pre-conversion life) are passed away through a decisive break with the old (sinful) life at the moment of salvation.
Paul further stated: Put off concerning the former conversation (conduct) the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:22-24).
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